Say goodbye to sensitive teeth this Dental Health Week

Let’s face it: teeth sensitivity is something that we all grapple with from time to time. It’s especially noticeable during winter when even breathing in cold air on a frosty morning is enough to cause us to wince. But while we already know that cold foods and drinks like ice-cream and iced water can set off our teeth, did you know that acidic substances can also cause a similar reaction?

In fact, there are many common foods and drinks that you may not realise are highly acidic. Many of these foods are consumed on a regular/daily basis, and it is this repeated exposure that can cause the gradual erosion of your enamel, leading to teeth sensitivity. To coincide with Dental Health Week, which kicks off today, Dr. Peter Chuang shares some of the foods and drinks we consume that are making our teeth sensitive.

1. Fruit juice

Many of us enjoy a daily glass of orange juice with our breakfast. However, oranges and other citrus fruits such as lemons, grapefruits, as well as pineapple, contain high acidity levels. In liquid form, these drinks quickly coat your teeth in acid, which can lead to enamel erosion and teeth sensitivity. The concentrated sugar content of fruit juice also increases the risk of tooth decay. A whole piece of fruit, in general, is healthier than a glass of fruit juice, as it contains less sugar and other nutrients such as fibre to help offset the acid.

3. Sports and energy drinks

We all know that soft drinks are bad for your teeth because of their extremely high acid and sugar content. But sports and energy drinks often contain just as much acid and sugar. You might think that drinking these products will give you a boost in your energy levels, but it can also give your teeth a boost in sensitivity, too. If you are sipping on these drinks constantly, whether it’s during a sports match or a late night study marathon, the sipping action maintains the high levels of sugar and acid in your mouth, which can exacerbate your symptoms.

4. Lemon water and apple cider vinegar

Many people are used to having a glass of lemon water or ACV in the morning and/or throughout the day as part of cleansing and ‘detox’ programmes. The issue is that both lemons and vinegar are highly acidic, and, when combined in water, can lead to heightened levels of sensitivity over time.

5. Wine

For many Australians, drinking wine is an essential part of socialising, whether it’s celebrating a special occasion or simply as an accompaniment to a meal. Wine typically contains a variety of different acids that give it its distinctive tart flavour, with white wines having a higher level of acidity than red wines. As with all acidic foods, repeated regular exposure can cause enamel erosion leading to tooth sensitivity.

6. Pickled foods

Pickling is a form of acidification with vinegar that has been used to preserve foods since ancient times. Many of us enjoy snacking on pickled products such as olives and cucumbers, without realising the harm that the acid is doing to our teeth.

7. Pasta

When the weather gets cold, there’s nothing heartier than a big bowl of spaghetti bolognese or towering piece of lasagne. Unfortunately, on top of not being the best for your waistline, these pastas with tomato-based sauces (and others such as napoli or amatriciana sauces) are also highly acidic. This is because tomatoes, like oranges and lemons, are naturally high in citric acid. Canned tomatoes that are typically used for making pasta sauces are also higher in acid than natural tomatoes. So next time, for the sake of your teeth, go easy on the sauce.

What to do

After eating these foods, it is often helpful to rinse your mouth with some tap water, or chew some sugar free gum, as this will neutralise the acids. In addition, try not to brush immediately after, as your enamel is more porous and may be damaged by the bristles of the toothbrush - wait for at least an hour to allow the acids to neutralise.

It’s not to say that we must stop enjoying these foods, but, as with all things, moderation is the best policy.

Dental Health Week is an annual oral health initiative lead by the Australian Dental Association, aimed at promoting the importance of oral health for all Australians. Dental Health Week kicks off on Monday 6th August, with a focus on helping Australians to recognise the importance of oral hygiene practices as well as highlighting the preventative importance of regular visits with their dentist. The emphasis for 2018 is Watch Your Mouth, which brings to light the importance of caring for your whole mouth.